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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: cyrax on Sat, 26 January 2013, 02:44:47

Title: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: cyrax on Sat, 26 January 2013, 02:44:47
Ladies and Gentlemen.
 I landed with a rare NEC APC-H412 and I am quite impressed with the find. It has already been reviewed on this forum so I won't go into the details. Bottom line is I love the keyboard. It works fine with older systems with the PS/2 sockets. Then I wanted to use it with my laptop (Alienware M14XR1). Lo behold my miseries started. Obviously the usual Fry's PS/2 to USB converter does not work so I went and bought the Ziotek as listed here http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_text_y
 While I saw the cube work with Model Ms the NEC seems to be finicky. While my typing speed has increased drastically the error rate due to "stuck" keeeeeeeys and missed kys has gone up, drastically if I may add. I saw elsewhere about a chap who modded the NEC to a wireless keyboard. Impressive as it is, I am not jumping onto that as yet. I also asked him for other options and he said that a PS/2 card will help. It worked on my desktop. I cannot use that on my laptop. So here's the thing:
- Does anyone know of any decent PS/2 to USB adapters that will help me use this keyboard?
- Is there a mode that does not involve pulling crazy number of wires, along with my hair?
- Am I stuck with leaving this keyboard on the desktop?
- Profit?

Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: TheProfosist on Sat, 26 January 2013, 02:49:55
You need a active ps2 to usb converter not a passive eg bluecube or belkin
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: cyrax on Sat, 26 January 2013, 03:04:56
Yup I got the bluecube.
http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_y (http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_y)
I got this one. Did not yet try with a Belkin.
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: rootwyrm on Sat, 26 January 2013, 03:36:20
Yup I got the bluecube.
http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_y (http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Keyboard-To-USB-Adapter/dp/B000BSJFJS/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_y)
I got this one. Did not yet try with a Belkin.

The Belkin you need is the large one, which should still be active and not passive. At least active to the level required - the issue is that the USB half is going idle, even when it's not idle. When it resumes, well, you've seen the results. The specific Belkin you want is this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELSXFY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ELSXFY&linkCode=as2&tag=rootwyrm-20) - which is also sold under a variety of different brands. But Belkin gives you a lifetime warranty.
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: cyrax on Sat, 26 January 2013, 04:08:11
Well, I ordered the Belkin just now. Hopefully this will work.
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: rootwyrm on Sat, 26 January 2013, 17:04:19
Well, I ordered the Belkin just now. Hopefully this will work.

Yup. I've had a number of issues with the BlueCube and idling improperly. If the Belkin acts up, I would recommend changing the USB port settings to disable Selective Suspend (SELSUS.) Certain boards are overly aggressive with that - especially VIA USB3 equipped ones.
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: cyrax on Sat, 26 January 2013, 19:47:06
Thanks rootwyrm. I'll take a stab at it. Mine is an Alienware M14X R1 just in case that adds anything to this discussion for the future reference of someone who might need this information.
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: cyrax on Sat, 02 February 2013, 19:16:53
Before closing the thread here's the conclusion.
On rootwyrm's suggestion I tried using the Belkin PS/2 to USB adapter and I am glad to say that it works fine. Just fine.
Title: Re: Rare NEC APC-H412 and many issues with it
Post by: rootwyrm on Sat, 02 February 2013, 19:38:57
Before closing the thread here's the conclusion.
On rootwyrm's suggestion I tried using the Belkin PS/2 to USB adapter and I am glad to say that it works fine. Just fine.

Glad to hear it! :)